Flames News

Snubbed Heynen ready for MVP performance

CALGARY, AB -- A year ago, he helped Sales to their first Finance Cup victory since 2010.

But there was no naming Blake Heynen -- or anyone else for that matter -- as the tournament's most valuable player despite turning in a dominating performance to help Sales snap their slump in 2012.

Despite earning a nod from tournament director of player personnel Geordie McLeod as turning in a Conn Smythe-worthy effort, a disappointed Heynen left the event feeling a little lighter in the pockets than his performance dictated.

"I feel slighted a bit," admitted Heynen, who also captured the title two years ago. "Slighted a bit because it was in my contract I would receive a bonus had I won it but that is the Finance Cup.

"It certainly is a tough part. You promise your friends and family that extra money is coming and you're planning a trip and want to use it in the summertime and for whatever reason the cheques stop coming. It's disappointing to say the least."

Beyond Heynen's dissatisfaction from failing to land in the money a year ago, Heynen is ready to put forth another championship-worthy effort in 2013.

With an eye on capturing another title, now dubbed the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Group Hockey Championship, Heynen's relentless training has started with what he called the most important facet.

His diet.

"You have a good, balanced diet," he admitted. "I like to eat a lot of oranges. People around the office know me as the orange guy that peels his orange in a unique manner and eats them and has a healthy diet."

But the marketing coordinator admitted he may be resting on the glory of yesteryear, putting his training in the background while allowing tastebuds -- not training -- dictate his intake.

"Today, I had some Vietnamese and I really enjoyed it," Heynen said sheepishly. "Was it the best to have? Probably not. I know the circumstances have been a grind this year in terms of my diet. I'm trying to get back on track and eating right and certainly it will be a grind on Friday for whomever I play. I hope I can be a contributing factor for another championship, for sure."